Missing 9-Year-Old Girl Featured On ‘Unsolved Mysteries’ Has Been Found

In a shocking twist of events, the disappearance of a 9-year-old girl, Kayla Unbehaun, featured on the television show ‘Unsolved Mysteries,’ has reached a resolution. The story unfolds with the apprehension of the accused abductor, Heather Unbehaun, bringing an end to a six-year ordeal that had gripped the nation.

The Disappearance of Kayla Unbehaun

The ordeal began on July 4, 2017, during a parade in South Elgin, Illinois, where Kayla Unbehaun was reportedly abducted by her mother, Heather Unbehaun. The situation escalated when Heather informed Kayla’s custodial father, Ryan Iserka, that they were embarking on a camping trip. Sadly, neither Heather nor Kayla returned, leading to a felony warrant for Heather’s arrest on kidnapping charges.

Recent Developments

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The breakthrough in the case occurred when a vigilant individual in Asheville, North Carolina, recognized Kayla from an episode of Netflix’s “Unsolved Mysteries.” This individual promptly alerted the authorities, leading to Kayla’s discovery and the subsequent arrest of Heather Unbehaun.

Heather Unbehaun’s arrest on a fugitive warrant from Illinois underscores the seriousness of the charges she faces, including kidnapping and child abduction. Despite initially being held on a substantial bond, Heather was later released on bail, sparking concerns about her fugitive status for six years.

Legal History and Custody Battle

The legal history between Heather Unbehaun and Ryan Iserka reveals a tumultuous custody battle. Iserka had obtained full custody of Kayla in early 2017, with Heather granted only unsupervised “parenting time” visits. Court documents highlighted concerns about Kayla’s well-being, prompting the judge to grant Iserka sole discretion over medical decisions due to Heather’s alleged interference with the child’s healthcare.

Attorney John Vojta, representing Ryan Iserka, expressed apprehension over Heather Unbehaun’s release on bond, given her fugitive status for six years. Meanwhile, Ryan and Kayla have been reunited, embarking on the journey back to Illinois together.

Public Reaction and Support

The safe return of Kayla Unbehaun has been met with widespread relief and gratitude from the public. Ryan Iserka expressed his appreciation for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, law enforcement agencies, and the supporters on the ‘Bring Kayla Home’ Facebook page for their instrumental role in facilitating his daughter’s safe return.

As the legal proceedings unfold, Heather Unbehaun is scheduled for her next court appearance at the Kane County Judicial Center. The unexpected twists and turns in this case continue to captivate the public’s attention.